Clinical Pharmacist

Since 2019, as part of the NHS Long Term Plan pharmacists have been working in general practice settings where they can be employed directly by a GP practice or via the Primary Care Network (PCN). Funding for pharmacists employed in general practice can be accessed through the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS).

Clinical pharmacists works directly with patients and involves carrying out medical reviews, proactively managing, assessing and treating patients.

Clinical pharmacists work with, and alongside, the General Practice team – they take on responsibility for patients with chronic diseases and undertake clinical medication reviews to support people who need to take medication, especially for the elderly, people in care homes and those with multiple illnesses or conditions.

Clinical pharmacists have expert knowledge of medicines for specific disease areas.

Training and Qualifications

To become a clinical pharmacist you must first qualify as a pharmacist by complete a Masters degree in Pharmacy and 1 year placement. Upon completing this, you can register as a pharmacist General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and legally practice as a pharmacist.

To specialise further and train as a clinical pharmacist you complete further training called the Primary Care Pharmacy Education Pathway (PCPEP). This is only applicable if you are under a PCN ARRS funded role.

Career opportunities and progression

Advanced Clinical Practitioner

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